Neo Realism
- Neo realism started from 1970s onwards
- Kenneth Waltz’s The Theory of International Politics 1979.
The level analysis of international politics:
- Waltz argues that theories of international politics could be developed on three level of analysis – the human individual, the state and the international system.
- Defect of classical Realism: it could not explain behaviour at a level above the state.
Realism as an endogenous or inside out theory
- What is an endogenous or inside out theory? The theories which explain behaviour in terms of ‘the inside, the intentions or inclinations of key actors. These theories stress upon agency over structure.
- These theories that stress agency over structure subscribe to intentionalism or voluntarism, which assigns decisive explanatory importance to the self-willed behaviour of human actors.
- Example: Classical realism which holds that the key to understanding international relations is to recognize that states are the primary actors on the world stage and that each state is bent on the pursuit of self-interest.
Neo realism or structural realism as exogenous or outside-in theory
- In this the behaviour of actors is explained in terms of ‘the outside’, the context or structure in which they operate.
- In shifting attention from the state to the international system, it places an emphasis on the implications of anarchy.
- The characteristics of international life stem from the fact that states operate within a domain which has no formal central authority.
How does this shape behaviour of international actors? And why, according to neorealists, does international anarchy tend towards conflict rather than cooperation?
- Neo realists argument: international anarchy necessarily tend towards tension, conflict and the unavoidable possibility of war. Why?
Following three reasons:
- As states are separate, autonomous and formally equal political units, they must ultimately rely on their own resources to realise their interests. International anarchy therefore results in a system of ‘self-help’, because states cannot count on anyone else to take care of them.
- Relationships between and amongst states characterized by uncertainty and suspicion. It is best explained through the security dilemma. Although self help forces states to ensure security and survival by building up sufficient military capacity to deter other states from attacking them, such actions are always interpreted as hostile or aggressive. Uncertainty about motives therefore forces states to treat all other states as enemies, meaning that permanent insecurity is the inescapable consequence of living in conditions of anarchy.
- Conflict is also encouraged by the fact that states are primarily concerned about maintaining or improving their position relative to other states. (with making relative gains). This discourages cooperation and reduces the effectiveness of international organizations, because, although all states may benefit from a particular action or policy, each state is actually more worried about whether other states benefit more than it does.
Neoclassical realism or post neorealism (Wohlforth and Zakaria)
- Neorealist thinking had a profound impact both within and beyond the realist tradition, since the 1990s realist theories have often attempted to fuse systems analysis with a unit level approach giving rise to neo classical realism or post- neorealism.
How does conflict can be contained or avoided as per realist and neo realist theories?
The fact that states are inclined to treat other states as enemies does not inevitably lead to bloodshed and open violence.
What is common in realism and neo realism on this aspect?
- Both believe that conflict can be contained by the balance of power.
Realist’s view on Balance of power:
- Balance of power is a product of prudent statecraft.
Neo Realist’s view on Balance of Power:
- BOP as a consequence of the structural dynamics of international system and specifically, of the distribution of power (or capacities) between and among states.
- The principal factor affecting the likelihood of a balance of power, and therefore the prospect of war or peace, are the numbers of great powers operating within the international system.
Concept of polarity:
- What is polarity? The existence within a system of one or more significant actors, or ‘poles’, which affect the behaviour of other actors and shape, the contour of the system itself, determining its structural dynamics.
- Emphasis on polarity:
Although neorealists believe that there is a general bias in the international system in favour of balance rather than imbalance, world order is determined by the changing fate of great powers.
This is reflected in an emphasis on polarity.
Neorealists preference of Bipolar systems:
- They have generally associated bipolar systems with stability and a reduced likelihood of war, while multipolar systems have been associated with instability and a greater likelihood of war.
- This inclined neorealists to view Cold War bipolarity in broadly positive terms, as a ‘long peace’, but to warn about the implications of rising multipolarity in the post-cold war era.